PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. -- On May 19, 2026, United States Air Force Academy cadets visited Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to participate in the Operations Air Force program. During their 10-day stay, cadets toured the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron, 1st Range Operations Squadron, 5th Space Launch Squadron and Air Force Technical Applications Center.
The Operations Air Force program is attended by rising junior cadets over the summer. Its purpose is to expose cadets to the operational Air Force and its many jobs. Typically, cadets tour different squadrons across the installation, which aims to assist them in selecting their ideal career field following completion of the program.
This Operations Air Force program differed as it was comprised only of cadets who major in civil engineering. Typically, Operations Air Force iterations are not major-specific. Because of this, the itinerary was curated more towards things like infrastructure, and they were escorted around the installation by members of the 45th CES.
“I think this opportunity is incredibly important because, while the technical aspects emphasized in an engineering major are critical, being an officer involves much more than technical expertise alone,” said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Hana Hill, 45th CES officer in charge of program development and action officer for this tour. “Gaining exposure to the day-to-day leadership responsibilities and developing more hands-on skills is essential.”
On May 19, a few of the cadets assisted in a pothole repair on Patrick SFB. This opportunity allowed cadets to not only learn how the 45th CES supports the daily mission but also allowed them to get directly involved in the action. With shovels and pickaxes in hand, the cadets aided in removing the previously damaged pavement and clearing the area of debris. They were given the opportunity to tour and witness the employment of heavy machinery such as a backhoe, construction vacuum and concrete saw during this repair effort. Though they did not operate any machinery or participate in the actual pavement repair themselves, it was still a valuable experience.
“The cadets’ participation in this process helps keep them motivated when they return to school by showing them exactly what they will be contributing to and the mission they can become a part of once they commission,” said Hill.
This construction effort is just one in a large string of many projects aimed at upgrading both the infrastructure of Cape Canaveral SFS and Patrick SFB. While launch infrastructure is adapting to an accelerating launch schedule, base infrastructure is modernizing to improve the quality of life for Space Launch Delta 45 personnel and their families.
No matter where their careers lead after graduation, these future officers have done the vital work of laying the cornerstone for the future of the United States Space Force.